While manager Dave Roberts did not reveal the Dodgers‘ complete plan of attack against the Nationals in the upcoming NLDS, he did state that the team will be handing the ball to 25-year-old Walker Buehler in the opener on Thursday.

Right when it looked like the Dodgers were in a position to add another series sweep to their 2019 portfolio, the Nationals showed up ready to play in the finale on Sunday, ultimately dominating the Dodgers in all aspects of play.

On Thursday, the Dodgers did something that needed to be done, but most fans didn’t think would actually happen – they optioned catcher Austin Barnes to Oklahoma City and recalled rookie Will Smith. We’ve chronicled many times how Barnes has been very good behind the dish, but terrible at the plate. His slash line of .196/.288/.328/.616 is just abysmal, and hopefully the time in Triple-A will allow him to work on getting his swing back to where he’s not just an assumed out when his turn comes up to bat.

In case you haven’t been following the series closely—for whatever reason—a doubleheader is on the docket for Saturday, as the first game is scheduled for a 11:05 a.m. Los Angeles time first pitch while the second game is slated for a 5.05 p.m. start.

It may not have necessarily been pretty, but the Dodgers took two of three from the Washington Nationals over the weekend. Los Angeles has now won six of their last seven games, and have achieved a .500 record for the first time this season.

The Dodgers are looking good, finally. They scored 37 runs in their four-game winning streak, sweeping the San Diego Padres in the process. They are now 8-9 on the season, matching their record at this point last season.